What is the most cost effective, light-weight device I can use as an unstable surface to train older adults in their homes?

I will soon be training older adults in their homes and I know for most fall prevention is the number one priority. I want something that will hold up well, be easy to clean, and light weight enough that I can get it in and out of my car multiple times a day with ease.

Answers (13)

I am operating on the assumption that you have assessed the necessity of adding an unstable surface for balance training. I would not add such challenge until an older adult has demonstrated to me that s/he can balance on one leg on the floor and do split stances without any risk of falling.

The two devices that I use myself and that fit your requirements are an Airex pad and a Dynadisc.

Balance work can be tricky
We all know that falling is more prevalent in certain populations.
I would suggest focusing on muscle strength and also on standing in a variety of ways so as to change the base of support.
I also like to work in opposition with my older clientele, sometimes I have them pick a foot up off the ground, sometimes have them lower their eye lids.
I work all planes of the body and prepare them to "anticipate' what's coming ahead.
Lawrence Biscontini has great input about this very topic
Check him out
A bosu is great for tapping and walking around, it doesn't have to be used to stand on.

Unless the older client is very capable, I would stay away from the more advanced balance work. The least expensive is to have them close their eyes when they have mastered the balance move. A safer alternative to an unstable surface could be a pillow that the client owns; no work on your part.
Take care.

I agree with the others. I would not immediately show up in a home and try to train aging adults on unstable surfaces. Train large muscle groups for strength and endurance. Most falls are simply due to a lack of strength, so they can't "catch" themselves as they start falling.
However if they have been properly assessed and are still at an age and physical ability level that allows them to do regular body weight exercises (like squats and lunges) you can have them stand on pillows or sponges. Most people will not be comfortable closing their eyes while exercising at any age.

Excellent answers. I would only add that doing stability exercises on the existing floor is perhaps the best first step. Adding devices, as Josh and others have suggested, may put the risk ahead of the benefit.

Being able to move one's body is a normal everyday function that many take for granted. As one becomes older, 2 properties of the human body become distorted, which may lead to falls and ultimately injury. The first is the point around which all weight is evenly distributed, or otherwise known as Center of Mass (COM). This distortion then leads to another, which is a deviation in the arrangement of the body and it's limbs, or better known as posture. All movement begins from a static base, and in this static base, posture represents the alignment of the body's segments, or how the person holds him-herself "statically" or how I prefer to say "isometrically" in space. Holding a proper postural position involves the actions of multiple postural muscles, which are generally the deeper muscles that contain greater concentrations of Type 1 muscle fibers and function to hold static positions or low grade isometric contractions for extended periods. The muscles to be targeted for proper postural alignment are as follows: Transverse abdominus, Iliocostalis lumborum, or sacrolumbalis, the Longissimus thoracis, the popliteus, and the 4 muscles commonly known as the rotator cuff, (remember SITS: Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor and Subscapularis). Stability is the main function of these listed muscles and are best worked through isometric contractions, not isotonic, plyo- or dynamic.
Always perform a postural screening before any exercise programming. One leg exercises can be useful, perhaps with hands placed on a wall. And for a progression, try a foam roller, pretty inexpensive, and performing Myofascial Release and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF).
Feel free to contact me with any questions regarding programming.

Hi Robin,
The Airex and DynaDiscs will help improve balance
BUT
I agree with the people who question unstable surfaces with an elderly population. Many elderly people have trouble achieving balance on a stable surface; an unstable surface can cause more problems than it solves.

I also agree that each client should be assessed (and, if necessary, provided with a physican's apporval of what exercises are appropriate).
You may have to start with training their balance on a stable surface (make sure the clients have a sturdy item to hold on to for their balance).